Michael George Rizzo, Jr., MD

• Arthroscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Complex Sports-Related Injuries
• Hip Arthroscopy and Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
• Shoulder Instability
• Rotator Cuff Tears
• Primary and Revision Shoulder Replacement
• Knee Ligament Reconstruction
• Cartilage Restoration
• Patellar Instability
• Meniscus Tears

                •             University of Miami William H. Coulter Grant Recipient "Improving Perioperative Anxiety and Compliance Using Augmented Reality" (2023)
                •             University of Miami Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Research Award (2023)
                •             Apple Watch Limited Grant Program Recipient, Apple Inc. (2021)

Biography

Dr. Michael G. Rizzo, Jr., is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and advanced minimally invasive procedures at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute. He focuses on the treatment of sports-related injuries involving the hip, knee, and shoulder, with a particular expertise in arthroscopy and revision surgeries.

Dr. Rizzo’s education and training are rooted in some of the world’s leading institutions. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, completed medical school at Washington University in St. Louis, and then completed his Orthopaedic Surgery Internship and Residency at University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital where he served as Administrative Chief Resident. He then pursued advanced fellowship training in complex Sports Medicine at the renowned Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. There, he worked with elite athletes, including members of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Rizzo is dedicated to advancing the field of orthopaedic surgery through research and innovation. He co-founded “Zwisch Me!,” a surgical resident autonomy tracking app now widely adopted across various medical disciplines. His research spans from augmented reality in surgical education to regenerative medicine and AI-driven medical systems.

Treatment Philosophy

Dr. Rizzo’s treatment philosophy is built on the foundation of personalized care, aiming to help patients "recover their game". He recognizes that each patient’s goals and challenges are unique, and he tailors treatment plans accordingly. By incorporating a multidisciplinary approach—including close collaboration with physical therapists—Dr. Rizzo ensures that patients receive a comprehensive evaluation and the most appropriate, state-of-the-art care.

His goal is to restore patients’ function and quality of life as quickly and safely as possible, with a strong emphasis on minimally invasive techniques to expedite recovery. Whether an athlete is striving to return to competitive sports or a recreational enthusiast wants to regain an active lifestyle, Dr. Rizzo’s priority is to help every individual get back to doing what they love with confidence.